Saturday’s Premier League Tips: Slow burner expected at Stamford Bridge

The FA Cup quarter-finals take place this weekend, so we have a reduced round of Premier League fixtures before the March international break. Football expert Greg Lea previews the action.

Aston Villa v Bournemouth

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday

After taking seven points from the last nine available, Aston Villa have kept their slim European hopes alive. Unai Emery’s men will need to end the season strongly if they are to finish in the top seven, but a home game against Bournemouth gives them the perfect chance to pick up an 11th win of the campaign.

Striker Ollie Watkins is in fantastic form - he has found the back of the net six times in his last seven appearances. Up against a Bournemouth team that has the worst defensive record in the division, Watkins will fancy his chances of adding to the tally. 

Prediction: Ollie Watkins anytime goalscorer @ 2.38

Brentford v Leicester City

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday

After being edged out by Everton last weekend, Brentford returned to winning ways by beating Southampton on Wednesday. Thomas Frank’s men continue to defy expectations and another victory here would see them climb into the top six.

Brendan Rodgers: hasn't got his Leicester side firing on a consistent basis

Meanwhile, Leicester have lost four matches in a row. Despite the quality within their squad, Brendan Rodgers’ side seem unable to get going and I doubt that will happen here as Brentford are a tough nut to crack at home (lost once there this season).

Prediction: Brentford to win @ 1.9 

Southampton v Tottenham Hotspur 

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday 

March has not been the best month for Tottenham, but a 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest last weekend at least tightened their grip on fourth place. Antonio Conte’s charges have been inconsistent throughout the campaign, though, so it is hard to know what will come next. 

Perhaps the bet for this match at St Mary’s is two goals or fewer. It is a selection that would have paid out in each of Ruben Selles’ five games in charge of Southampton, while Spurs have not exactly played free-flowing football this term.

Prediction: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.9

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Leeds United 

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday 

Wolves have been unable to pull clear of the relegation battle in recent weeks and they remain just three points above the dreaded dotted line. Julen Lopetegui did well to lift the club out of the bottom three, but there is still work to do at Molineux.

Leeds head into this fixture second-bottom of the standings, although a draw might be enough to lift them out of the relegation zone depending on other results. But with just one away win to their name all campaign, this could be a tough afternoon for the Whites.

Prediction: Wolves to win @ 2.36

Chelsea v Everton

Kick-off: 5.30pm Saturday

Chelsea have won three games on the bounce in all competitions, which has eased the pressure on manager Graham Potter. Moving to a back three seems to have done the trick, and we can expect the Blues to again line up in a 3-4-3 formation when Everton visit west London in the late kick-off on Saturday.

Chelsea have been slow starters at home this season. Eight of their 12 matches at Stamford Bridge have been level at the break, with only five goals scored by both the Blues and their opponents. Everton are better organised under Sean Dyche, so this could be a slow burner.

Prediction: Second-half highest scoring @ 2.04 

Saturday’s Premier League Tips

Aston Villa v Bournemouth: Ollie Watkins anytime goalscorer @ 2.38
Brentford v Leicester: Brentford to win @ 1.9
Southampton v Tottenham: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.9
Wolves v Leeds: Wolves to win @ 2.36
Chelsea v Everton: Second-half highest scoring @ 2.04